Industry Resources

Accessible Pedestrian Signals – U.S. Legislation, Standards, and Guidance Applicable to APS

Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) states that pedestrian safety considerations should be included in new transportation plans and projects. Section 1202 (g)(2) directed that they “…shall include the installation, where appropriate, and maintenance of audible traffic signals and audible signs at street crossings.” Required that FHWA develop guidance on pedestrian and bicycle facility design. A Policy Statement on Accommodating Bicyclists and Pedestrians in Transportation Projects was written, which includes the following statement: “Sidewalks, shared use paths, street crossings (including over- and under-crossings), pedestrian signals, signs, street furniture, transit stops, and facilities, and all connecting pathways shall be designed, constructed, operated and maintained so that all pedestrians, including people with disabilities, can travel safely and independently”. (TEA-21, 1998)

 

Accessible Pedestrian Signals – Where is APS Required?

All new and altered pedestrian signal heads installed at crosswalks must include “accessible pedestrian signals” (APS), which have audible and vibrotactile features indicating the walk interval so that a pedestrian who is blind or has low vision will know when to cross the street. Pedestrian push buttons must be located within a reach range such that a person seated in a wheelchair can reach them. The walk speed used to calculate the crossing time allows pedestrians with disabilities sufficient time to cross.

 

Accessible Pedestrian Signals – Guide to Best Practices

The content of this site is a product of the National Cooperative Highway Research Program Project 3-62, Guidelines for Accessible Pedestrian Signals. This research study used extensive field testing to determine which APS features and locations are most beneficial for blind and visually impaired pedestrians. The website content was adapted from the document produced by the NCHRP study, entitled Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practices.

MUTCD 2023
PROWAG 2023
ADA 2002
APS Resources

Accessible Pedestrian Signals – U.S. Legislation, Standards, and Guidance Applicable to APS

Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) states that pedestrian safety considerations should be included in new transportation plans and projects. Section 1202 (g)(2) directed that they “…shall include the installation, where appropriate, and maintenance of audible traffic signals and audible signs at street crossings.” Required that FHWA develop guidance on pedestrian and bicycle facility design. A Policy Statement on Accommodating Bicyclists and Pedestrians in Transportation Projects was written, which includes the following statement: “Sidewalks, shared use paths, street crossings (including over- and under-crossings), pedestrian signals, signs, street furniture, transit stops, and facilities, and all connecting pathways shall be designed, constructed, operated and maintained so that all pedestrians, including people with disabilities, can travel safely and independently”. (TEA-21, 1998)

 

Accessible Pedestrian Signals – Where is APS Required?

All new and altered pedestrian signal heads installed at crosswalks must include “accessible pedestrian signals” (APS), which have audible and vibrotactile features indicating the walk interval so that a pedestrian who is blind or has low vision will know when to cross the street. Pedestrian push buttons must be located within a reach range such that a person seated in a wheelchair can reach them. The walk speed used to calculate the crossing time allows pedestrians with disabilities sufficient time to cross.

 

Accessible Pedestrian Signals – Guide to Best Practices

The content of this site is a product of the National Cooperative Highway Research Program Project 3-62, Guidelines for Accessible Pedestrian Signals. This research study used extensive field testing to determine which APS features and locations are most beneficial for blind and visually impaired pedestrians. The website content was adapted from the document produced by the NCHRP study, entitled Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practices.

PBIC